Comets Dim Wanderers of the Nigh Sky
July 5th 2011 03:38
Category: Comets
C/2011 L4
Now doubt comets can be elusive creatures dim wanderers of the nigh sky seldom seen with the naked eye. That is why I get very enthusiastic when a particularly bright comet makes an appearance.
To often when comets are discovered some make their way toward us in a highly elliptic orbit around our Sun. The journey is often a long one and many things can happen to a comet travelling through the Solar system. Some collide with other space debris some just fizzle out as they approach the Sun.
Animated sequence of C/2011 L4
At times the media may mention that a comet is making its way towards the Sun and that there is a good chance of getting a glimpse. But the odds are not in our favour often the comet is too distant or not very robust. Some brighten for a few days and then virtually disappear from view, never to be seen again.
Even now and then we get a real winner a comet bright enough that we can see with the naked eye.
Some may remember Halley’s comet in 1986, recently comet McNaught,2007 was bright enough to be seen in the north and southern hemispheres.
Three weeks ago I was notified that a new comet recently discovered by an automated survey telescope may make a note worthy object, even though it may take many months until it can be seen.
Comet C/2011 L4 is currently very distant and far too dim to be seen with the naked eye. Comet C/2011 14 is approximately 610 million miles from us but it is showing some promise that it may develop a brighter tail as it makes it’s way through the Solar system.
It estimated that that C/2011 L4 will be close enough to be seen with the naked eye in the early first half of 2013. C/2011 L4 has be imaged by earth based telescopes and amateur astronomer s will be able to see it with a moderate telescope as it slowly approaches us.
Images Panstarrs_1
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Comment by S.L.
The Political Brief
Comment by CMoreStars
Astroearth
Camera Sense
Yes I think you could be right the crazies are sure to take up on it. After all the world will end soon just pick any date.
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
Comment by CMoreStars
Astroearth
Camera Sense
Hello Kleonaptra,
Thank you for the comment. There seems to be a problem with how the web pages are displayed on Orble.
It seems that the older version of windows(Version 8) internet explorer has the problem of not displaying the webpage fully.
However using the latest version of Firefox the webpage text is fully visible.
I will have another look at my Orble webpage properties to see if rectify the problem.
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
In the old days of Orble it used to happen when photos or clips were loaded - it pushes out the margin but it doesnt change the page settings.
I think Im using explorer 9? Not my strong point..
Anyways, love your blog.
Comment by CMoreStars
Astroearth
Camera Sense
I think I have solved my text problem. I agree if the Orbal text setting have changed it does tend to skew the text to the margin.
Thank you for reading my blog it is great to know. And perhaps it is time to get another telescope.
There is another option were you can go online and rent some time on a telescope and take images.
Comment by Davido LegEagle
The Jukebox Hero
Comment by CMoreStars
Astroearth
Camera Sense
Thank you for the comment,
In this business even the crazies have to make a living.
If it gives them a sense of purpose no matter how devoid of scientific fact.
Perhaps they should read Chicken Little.